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STEM Education for the Aviation Industry

“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you will always long to return”

Leonardo da Vinci

Many of us in the Aviation industry have, since childhood, loved seeing flying aircraft. However, only a few took the next steps to dig in and learn the Science/Technology/Education/Math (STEM) behind these man-made flying vehicles.

Aeronautical and aerospace engineering are among the fields of STEM that design and develop aircraft and spacecraft.

STEM education provides hands-on experience, problem-solving abilities, industry-ready skill sets, critical and analytical thinking, and creative educators. With so many opportunities booming in our Aviation sector, we need to encourage students with a great interest and love for the aviation field, to turn it into a career.

There are several organizations across the country that provide STEM opportunities to future young aviators. There are three highlighted below:

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

The AOPA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the world’s largest aviation community, AOPA, has created an aviation STEM curriculum for high schools across the U.S. The AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum is the first of its kind, offering students comprehensive four-year aviation study options aligned to Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS).

Thanks to generous donations to the AOPA Foundation, all courses are offered to high schools at no charge. Schools may now apply to use any, or all, of the courses in the upcoming school year.

https://youcanfly.aopa.org/high-school/high-school-curriculum

 

Federal Aviation Administration

FAA’s STEM Aviation and Space Education (AVSED) program offers lots of ways for students from Elementary through High School to explore this exciting world through STEM-based activities.

https://www.faa.gov/education/students

 

STEM Flights

This is a national nonprofit organization that connects Middle and High School students with volunteer Pilot Mentors to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). This group looks to inspire America’s youth to pursue STEM and aviation careers with a unique flight experience.

https://www.stemflights.org/

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› 941.953.5390 › info@beaconais.com
› 2201 Cantu Court, Suite 200 
› Sarasota, FL 34232

Sharon Meeds
Internal Premium Auditor

Sharon Meeds has been a Senior Premium Auditor for 18 years.

She has a lengthy background in Accounting and operated her own small business accounting service as well.

Sharon enjoys several hobbies including –  gardening, sewing, quilting, cooking, reading and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.

Sharon looks forward to meeting and working with all our Partner Aviation Brokers and Insureds.

Steve Diserio
Senior Aviation Underwriter

Steve DiSerio is a seasoned Aviation Underwriter with over a decade of experience in the industry. Steve has been responsible for underwriting aviation exposures for hull and liability coverage, including light aircraft, rotor wing, and small to medium-sized jets. He also handled aviation commercial general liability, including flight schools, flying clubs, Fixed Base Operators and airports.  

In addition to his extensive Insurance Underwriting experience, Steve worked as an FBO Manager and as a Commercial Lines Policy Analyst. He holds a B.A. in Communications from Marist College, with a minor in Fine Art/Photography.

Steve has a commercial pilot’s license and an instrument rating from the FAA. Steve currently serves on the Airport Advisory Board at the Leadville Lake County Airport in Colorado. Deeply invested in the world of aviation, Steve is an active member of the local aviation community. 

 Steve resides in Colorado with his wife and two dogs. Steve is an accomplished outdoors enthusiast, with a passion for skiing, biking, and all things active. With extensive experience exploring the natural world, he brings a deep appreciation for the value of physical activity and the great outdoors to his work. 

Cindy Hoskins
Senior Underwriter
General Aviation

Cindy Hoskins has been in the Aviation Insurance industry for 47 years. 

She spent the last 40 years of her career with an aviation underwriting company start up in 1983 and managed the Dallas Light Aircraft Division.  She held the title of Vice-president when she retired January 2023.  After 18 months of retirement, Cindy made the choice to return to aviation insurance as an Underwriter for Beacon on part time basis.

Cindy enjoys volunteer work for a non-profit organization for adults with disabilities.  She is on the board for the organization and recently helped raise over $25,000 for the non-profit organization.    

Cindy was born in Grapevine, Texas and has stayed local to Grapevine her entire life.  Her daughter is a 3rd generation graduate of Grapevine High School.

She enjoys cooking and attending various outings with her daughter who is a member of the non-profit organization.

She also enjoys travel! 

Aviation General Liability

Beacon Aviation offers this coverage to protect you and your business if a third party is injured on your property or by your actions.

These policies are necessary because most commercial general liability policies will not cover aviation-related exposures.

Hull & Liability

Beacon Aviation offers this insurance to protect firms that use planes and other aircraft for business purposes. Aircraft aren’t covered under standard liability policies.

Aircraft Hull covers physical damage to an aircraft. 

Aircraft liability includes coverage for Bodily Injury/death to passengers, other than passengers and third party property damage.